Health: How to “fight” the Common-Cold?

What Is The Common Cold: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment, Prognosis & Prevention lillingtonmedicalservices.org“..Also known as viral rhinitis, the ordinary cold is among the most common infections among humans. It is primarily an upper respiratory track infection that can be caused by several virus families. The virus family that is responsible for up to 40 percent of colds is called rhino-virus and it has over 100 distinct virus types.

Since common cold symptoms can be caused by so many viruses, it has not been possible to develop a simple cure for the infection. The common cold should not be mistaken for influenza, which can make you ill for much longer, has more severe symptoms, and can result in hospitalization or lead to serious health problems including pneumonia…”

-Rhinoviruses

Common Cold Cure? natural vitamins, herbs, supplements, a step by step guide to home remedy February 27 2017 by Ray Sahelian, M.D. raysahelian.com“..Each winter all of us are exposed to rhinoviruses– those annoying viruses that cause common cold symptoms. The word rhino means nose. Therefore, rhinoviruses are viruses that infect the nose and upper respiratory system. The upper respiratory system includes the nose, mouth, the throat (or pharynx), and the sinuses. The lower respiratory system includes the trachea and the lungs. Upper respiratory infections (URIs) are the most common acute illnesses in the United States and the Western world. As internal body temperatures fall after exposure to cold air, so too does the immune system’s ability to beat back the rhinovirus that causes the common cold…

For nasal congestion and mild cough
Turn on the hot shower in the bathroom and every few hours spend 10 to 20 minutes breathing the warm humid air in order to loosen up any mucus in the lungs or nose. This will help you clear out sputum accumulating in these tissue and you can cough and expel them. Mucus-producing tissue lines the mouth, nose, sinuses, throat, lungs, and gastrointestinal tract. Mucus acts as a protective blanket over these surfaces, preventing the tissue underneath from drying out. It is not uncommon for a cough to last 2 or 3 weeks after the nasal symptoms and sore throat are gone…”

CAUSES

Common Cold Causes
Written by the Healthline Editorial Team and Justin Sarachik
Medically Reviewed by Deborah Weatherspoon, PhD, RN, CRNA, COI on December 14, 2016 healthline.com“.. is spread when you inhale virus particles from an infected person’s sneeze, cough, speech, or loose particles from when they wipe their nose. You can also pick up the virus by touching a contaminated surface that an infected individual has touched. Common areas include doorknobs, telephones, children’s toys, and towels. Rhinoviruses (which cause the most colds) can live for up to three hours on hard surfaces and hands…

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What causes a common cold?

The cold is a common infection of the upper respiratory tract. Although many people think you can catch a cold by not dressing warmly enough in the winter and being exposed to chilly weather, it’s a myth. The real culprit is one of more than 200 viruses.

The common cold is spread when you inhale virus particles from an infected person’s sneeze, cough, speech, or loose particles from when they wipe their nose. You can also pick up the virus by touching a contaminated surface that an infected individual has touched. Common areas include doorknobs, telephones, children’s toys, and towels. Rhinoviruses (which cause the most colds) can live for up to three hours on hard surfaces and hands.

Most viruses can be classified into one of several groups. These groups include:

human rhinoviruses
coronaviruses
parainfluenza viruses
adenoviruses

Some other common cold culprits have been singled out, such as the respiratory syncytial virus. Still others have yet to be identified by modern science…”

“..The nose contains shelf-like structures called turbinates, which help trap particles entering the nasal passages. Material deposited in the nose is transported by ciliary action to the back of the throat in 10-15 minutes. Cold viruses are believed to be carried to the back of the throat where they are deposited in the area of the adenoid. The adenoid is a lymph gland structure that contains cells to which cold viruses attach…”

A cold is an infection caused by a virus. It’s a common and usually mild illness that affects the nose and throat. Find out more here: http://bit.ly/KV8y1c

The content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.”

PREVENTION

10 Tips to Prevent The Common Cold medicinenet.com“..While it is impossible to completely prevent the spread of colds, there are steps you can take to reduce your and your family’s chances of becoming infected with a virus that causes colds:

Wash your hands often. This is probably the single best measure to prevent transmission of colds. Especially after shopping, going to the gym, or spending time in public places, hand washing is critical. Frequent hand washing can destroy viruses that you have acquired from touching surfaces used by other people. You can also carry a small tube of hand sanitizer or sanitizing hand wipes when visiting public places. Teach your children the importance of hand washing too.

Avoid touching your face, especially the nose, mouth, and eye areas, if you are around someone with a cold or have been touching surfaces in a public area. ..

Maintain a healthy lifestyle. While there isn’t direct evidence to show that eating well or exercising can prevent colds, maintenance of a healthy lifestyle, with adequate sleep, good nutrition and physical exercise can help ensure that your immune system is in good condition and ready to fight infection if it occurs…”8 Natural Tips to Help Prevent a Cold webmd.com“..No. 4: Do Aerobic Exercise Regularly..
Aerobic exercise is any activity that gets your heart pumping. It helps increase your body’s natural virus-killing cells.

No. 5: Eat Foods Containing Phytochemicals

“Phyto” means plants, and the natural chemicals in them give the vitamins in food a supercharged boost. So put away the vitamin pill and eat dark green, red, and yellow veggies and fruits…

TREATMENTS

16 Remedies to Kick the Common Cold everydayroots.com“..Many of the home remedies for colds listed below can be altered to fit your preferences (e.g. a different essential oil, more or less spiciness in the decongestant, etc. etc.) There may be some overlap with remedies for a sore throat or a cough, but I try and offer some variety here. Eventually you’ll have your own go-to remedies and recipes…”10 Holistic Remedies for the Common Cold by Abby PhonApril 9, 2012 8:40 PM mindbodygreen.com‘“Yo! SLOW DOWN! I need a break!” So, slow down, take the day off and rest. You’ll body will thank you by recovering and rejuvenating itself and you’ll be back to your busy schedule in no time!..

1. Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) – Make an ACV tea to sip and/or gargle. Use 2 tablespoons ACV, 1-2 tablespoons honey (to taste), lemon juice (again, to taste) and a little hot water to dilute. It’s potent but the stronger it is, the faster it will work (of course you can change the amounts of everything to your liking). Use it 3-4 times a day (less is ok too but the more you do it, the better the results). ..

4. Increase Vitamin C & D – Vitamin C has long been known to support the immune system and fight off colds. As with any supplement, check with your doctor first but about 500-2000 milligrams every 2 hours is recommended. Fruits and veggies high in Vitamin C are oranges, kiwis, bell peppers, guavas, strawberries, dark leafy greens, papaya, broccoli and Brussels sprouts. Additionally, having enough Vitamin D reduces your risk of catching a cold in the first place. Sunlight and fish are great sources of D.

7. Honey – Make sure it’s local and raw. Honey has antioxidants, antiviral and antibacterial properties, boosts the immune system and soothes sore throats and coughs. Add 1-2 tablespoons to your ACV tea, ginger tea or just a cup of warm boiled water. Add some lemon for the added benefit of Vitamin C.
(Don’t give honey to infants and young children). As healthy as honey is, make sure you don’t overdo it (see #8 below!).

8. Just say NO (to sugar!) – Sugar weakens your immune system! It may be tempting when you have a sore throat to have hard candies, sugar in your tea, pudding/jello, popsicles/ice cream but if it’s high in sugar … STEP AWAY! This will only make you sicker and prolong your cold. Opt for sugar free items or better yet, just stick to tea sans the sweetener and soups…”